Not too Big, Not too Small....

I Heart Canberra, source: KateWard on madeit.com.au

I think it is about time that I profess my love publicly for the 'berra, Can-bra, The Can, Can-Can aka Canberra, The Australian Capital Territory. Too long this patch of the Earth has endured unwarranted criticism. True, the place is not perfect. The public transport is horrendous, housing is ridiculously expensive and it doesn't have a beach. However, some arguments against it just don't weigh up. For example, the common statement that 'Canberra is just full of politicians and public servants so it is boring'. I respond to with:

1. Hate to tell you but the politicians of this nation live all across this country, only flying in and out when duty calls. Just because parliament house is here doesn't mean politicians HAVE houses here!
2. Yes the major Federal departments are centralised here, but what is so wrong about that? Can't blame the place when it is one of the only few planned capitals in the world. It seems people like to hate on public servants but I think it stems from four things: firstly, they are just jealous we are well paid and have great benefits SNAP, I said it and you can't deny it! Stop being haters ;-) Secondly that public servants are lazy, which in my experience is true of some individuals but the majority are actually really hard working, care about what they do and how they are benefiting their society*. Thirdly, that there is something not valuable about running the country (for lack of a better expression). Everyday services that Aussies are provided such as welfare, schools, hospitals and housing don't just 'happen'. Someone has to carry out the work to get these things going. Sure, a lot can be improved, but that is what you consider while at the voting booth and has nothing to do with the people just trying to do their best for you in their workplaces. Finally, people think that 100% of Canberrans are in the public service – ummmn, it is more like 50%**. Plenty people work in private enterprise in all sorts of trades and services. You just don't hear people texting into The Today Show going 'I hate Canberra because of all those carpenters, hairdressers, IT firms, lawyers, restaurant owners, retailers, designers, financial institutions...'

I think people compare apples and oranges when viewing Canberra and that is why they give it a bad wrap. It isn't Sydney. It isn't a massive city and if that is what you are looking for here then of course it is always going to fall short. Locations are like people in my opinion, you have to value them for their own uniqueness and not what they 'don't have'. That way, you can probably find good things in almost anywhere you travel. So here are a few things I love about Canberra....

Hipsters at Foreshore musical festival source: foreshorefestival.com.au

The seasons

I love that every year (well almost every year) Canberra experiences four distinct seasons. You can sit by a fire with a hot drink, see the snow on the hills and even have fun at the snow in Winter. Spring is full of gorgeous days perfect for picnics and getting outdoors. Summers are hot (except for last year) and have you partying balmy nights away. Autumn is the most stunning of the seasons in Canberra, when all the trees turn glorious shades of golds and reds.

Autumn glory in Canberra, source: abc.net.au

Meeting place

It is no coincidence that Canberra is an Indigenous word for 'meeting place'. The 'berra is one melting pot and I love that. I know most cities in Australia are as well, but for some reason, perhaps its size or fairly 'lefty' persuasion, people seem to mingle more. For example, some of my Asian girlfriends from other cities have told me that back at home people think it is weird they have Caucasian friends. I found this really surprising but they tell me it is true. One of the best, some might say THE best annual events the 'berra has is the Multicultural Festival that is always a hit with locals and visitors.

It isn't just different ethnicity groups that mingle here, it is also people who are, to use politically correct terms 'from different social-economic backgrounds'. Really rich people live here (driving through Red Hill or Yarralumla proves that), middle class and not so well off people live here too. However, these differences don't seem so divided compared to other places in Australia – maybe that is just my experience but it seems true. Perhaps it is the housing development policies here that require a percentage of each suburb to be affordable housing. I don't know what it is but it seems people mingle with people without so much segregation or prejudice.

Not too big, not too small, just right

Up up and away with hot air balloon rides in the 'berra,
source: Anne Stroud

Goldilocks could have been talking about Canberra when she coined this phrase. Some people disagree but I think there is plenty of stuff to do in Canberra but without the hassle of long distances and big efforts to do things. Plenty of restaurants, bars, pubs, food vans and cafes exist, with different vibes and clientele to suit your mood. The shopping is pretty good (even if online shopping is taking over the world). There is always a cultural delight on such as the Travelling the Silk Road exhibition on right now or art exhibitions from across the world – don't have to  to Europe to see these masterpieces, just 15 minutes down the road. You have choices for places of worship whatever your preference. You have markets for your lazy weekends or to grab the freshest quality goods before cooking up a storm. Plus Floriade isn't daggy, especially if you go to its Nightfest . The open spaces mean you can do all sorts of outdoor activities. The place strikes a nice balance of having elements of a city but the benefits of living in a large country town such as no frequent shootings and fresh air.

So there is my rant. This place isn't perfect but none are. I'm not denying my love for other locations across the globe and hope to one day live in a few of them. This is just me giving some support to the place that has been good to me and I call home.

Party boat on Lake Burley Griffin, source: Anne Stroud's facebook account ;-)

*This could be because I work in the welfare sector so perhaps my views are somewhat bias by the type of people who are attracted to such work.

** Ok, so this is not super accurate but when researching people argue about defintions of public servants in figures including local government, teachers, nurses and the like.